Fairmount Community Center raising funds for bus

The Fairmount Community Center in northwest Independence is raising money to buy a bus for its growing programs for seniors.

Jeff Fox - jeff.fox@examiner.net

The Fairmount Community Center in northwest Independence is raising money to buy a bus for its growing programs for seniors.

One event was a garage sale last weekend that brought in about $800. So far, the center has raised about $3,500 toward its goal of $20,000. The center is also in line to get grant money.

It might take a while to raise the money, but officials want things in place before actually buying the vehicle.

“We don’t like to start any program that we can’t sustain,” said Community Center Manager Fran Daniel.

The center currently is relying on a church bus but for the long term needs one that meets Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The aim is to get more people to programs such as senior meals, the clinic on Tuesday and even bingo. The nutrition program in particular has added a lot of participants this year.

There are two upcoming fundraisers at the center, which is at 217 S. Cedar Ave., the building renovated from the old St. Ann School. Those fundraisers are: